James Curtis Akers, Jr.

 Mr. James Curtis Akers, Jr., age 82 of Stuart, Virginia passed away at SOVAH Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County on Saturday, November 2, 2024. He was born in Richmond, Virginia on December 14, 1941, to the late Dr. James Curtis Akers, Sr. and Dorothy Merrill Wilkinson Akers. Jim was a faithful member of Stuart Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He had worked at J.P. Stevens Plant in Stuart, followed by a career of 25 years in teaching. He taught at Hargrave Military Academy and retired from Martinsville City High School. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, boating, and any water sport. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and caring grandfather. He will be remembered for his strong faith, commitment to education, and deep love for his family.

 Mr. Akers is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Jane Hart Akers of the home; two children, Merrill Akers Hopkins (John) of Stuart and James Curtis Akers, III of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren, Aubrey Hopkins (Abby), Evan Hopkins (Sydney), Lainie Hopkins, Miller Hopkins, Andrew Akers, and Audrey Akers; two sisters, Cornelia Akers Wood (Bob) of Mars Hill, NC and Mary Kathleen Akers Verticchio (Paul) of Spartanburg, SC; brother and sister-in-law, William "Bill" Hart (Diane) of Lawsonville, NC; two nephews, Chris Wood (Kelly) and Josh Wood; and two nieces, Meredith Lindsey (Wade) and Caroline Verticchio.

 A funeral service for Mr. Akers will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart with Pastor Keith Vernon officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Stuart Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday afternoon at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1079C Spruce Street, Martinsville, VA 24112, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuernalservices.com.

A special thank you to brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Diane Hart for all your help, love and support that you have always provided.